After failing to reach the blue lakes trail head I decided to go up Quandary's East ridge during a break in the clouds Saturday morning. Trail had a great boot pack through the trees up to the ridge line where it was a mix of wind packed snow and rock. The last couple hundred feet had a bit of unconsolidated snow but nothing that made me regret leaving the snowshoes in the car. Spikes were helpful near the very top and for the descent. I started around 8am and the snow was still solid from the night before. By 10:30am on the way down I was sinking a bit in the portion just above treeline. It was a chilly summit so be prepared for the no exposed skin rule if the temperature is low or the wind picks up. Limited picture visibility but attached is a picture of the "typical" terrain conditions up most of the ridge.
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